daylight posted:This is worry for train manufacturers. Why are dyes/molds so expensive
Would it cost less to produce a steam engine in plastic? Almost all diesels are plastic and continue to sell.
Tooling is one of the most expensive parts of the manufacturing process, also steam locomotives use many more mechanical parts and require much more assembly work (labor) than diesels. Plus the more free-standing add on details vs. cast in, the higher the costs.
Plastic vs. diecast steam has been pretty much beaten to death on the forum. The general consensus is folks prefer brass or die cast metal bodied steam locomotives.
Rusty
